What Is Spain's Golden Visa?
The Visado de Inversor (Investor Visa), commonly called the Golden Visa, was introduced in 2013 under Law 14/2013. It grants residency to non-EU nationals who make a qualifying investment in Spain, with no minimum stay requirement — you keep the visa even if you spend most of the year elsewhere.
Investment Requirements
| Investment type | Minimum amount |
|---|---|
| Real estate (property purchase) | €500,000 (free of mortgage) |
| Spanish government bonds | €2,000,000 |
| Shares in Spanish companies | €1,000,000 |
| Bank deposits in Spain | €1,000,000 |
| Business project of general interest | No set minimum |
Why Valencia for Golden Visa Property Investment?
Valencia's property market offers significantly more purchasing power per euro than Madrid or Barcelona. With a budget of €500,000 you can acquire a large, high-quality property in sought-after areas like Eixample, Pla del Real, or even two separate investment properties.
- Average price per m² in Valencia: €2,200–3,500 (vs. €4,000–7,000 in Barcelona)
- Strong rental yields: 4–6% gross in central neighborhoods
- Rising demand from expats, students, and tourists
See our property buying guide for the full step-by-step process and our neighborhoods guide for the best investment areas.
How to Apply for the Golden Visa
Make the qualifying investment
Complete the property purchase (with Nota Simple, Escritura, and land registry inscription) or other qualifying investment. You need your NIE to complete a Spanish property purchase.
Apply for the investor visa
Apply at a Spanish consulate or UGE in Spain. Submit investment proof, passport, criminal record, and health insurance. Processing: 20 business days.
Collect your residency card
Initial 2-year residency card, renewable for 5 years. Entire family (spouse + minor children) qualify under the same application.
Golden Visa Tax Implications
The Golden Visa has no mandatory tax residency requirement. If you spend fewer than 183 days per year in Spain, you remain a non-resident and only pay Spanish tax on Spanish-source income (property rental income, etc.) at a flat 19–24% rate via Modelo 210.
If you choose to become tax resident (183+ days), you must declare worldwide income under standard IRPF rates. Some investors combine Golden Visa with the Beckham Law special regime for favorable rates in the first 6 years.